Daily tayra (Eira barbara, Linnaeus 1758) activity patterns and habitat use in high montane tropical forests

Abstract

Activity patterns and habitat use are important for understanding the natural history of a species and its ecology. Some species of carnivore are abundant, but little studied, such as the tayra (Eira barbara). In this context, the activity patterns and environmental factors that influence tayra frequency of occurrence in high montane tropical rainforests in the Atlantic Rainforest biome were evaluated. A total of 32 points distributed in the Itatiaia National Park and the Alto Montana Natural Heritage Reserve were investigated for three years, in a gradient ranging from 800 to 2200 m elevation. Tayra frequency of occurrence was evaluated using camera traps and environmental variables were obtained. Photo time data indicate that tayra are predominantly diurnal and their frequency of occurrence is higher at lower elevations and in areas more distant from human habitation. Although this species occurs at all elevation, the tayra may prefer lower elevation habitats, due to the higher productivity of these areas compared to higher elevational environments. The results reported herein contribute to a better knowledge of the species and may aid in planning models and conservation actions for ecological function and tropical biodiversity maintenance.